PUEBLO, Colo. (September 18, 2024) - The Colorado State University Pueblo women's soccer team played on their home pitch for the first time this season and battled No. 10 Tampa in a 2-1 defeat Wednesday at Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium.

For the ThunderWolves, Sydney Lasater (Sr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) tied the game when she scored her second goal of the season in the 4th minute in response to Tampa jumping out ahead just 23 seconds into the match.

CSU Pueblo Head Coach John Constable had high praise for his team's performance. "We did not get the result we wanted but I thought our players were excellent," said Constable. "First half I thought we were the better team. Tampa for sure was the better team in the second half."

Constable added, "We can clean up one or two things but if we play like that for the remainder of the season we will be a match for anyone. Proud of our performance tonight versus No. 10 in the country and we look forward to hosting #7 in the country in 48 hours."

In the match, CSU Pueblo registered eight shots and four SOG, led by Lasater and her three shots and two landing on frame.

Jerzie Troost (Sr., Phoenix, Ariz.) and Caytlynn Garland (So., Gillette, Wyo.) both recorded shots on goal.

At the break, the ThunderWolves led 4-1 in shots and had earned one corner against two from the Spartans.

Most of the second half was a defensive battle and Tampa was able to score the go-ahead goal in the 59th minute.

The ThunderWolves made four shots in the period and their best scoring chance came in the final minutes when Garland chased down a loose ball that was hauled in by Tampa goalkeeper Aidan Smith.

At the net, Elaina Leitner (Fr., Longmont, Colo.) made three saves and gave up two goals against eight shots from Tampa.

CSU Pueblo (1-2-2) will look to bounce back on Friday against another Top 25 opponent in No. 7 Cal Poly Pomona. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Gonzales Stadium.